These cute leopard cubs in Tacoma need names

Attention, animal lovers. Two new clouded leopard cubs at the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium in Tacoma need names.

This isn’t some kind of naming free-for-all where you can name them Bud or Sandy or Pelican Pete. (Whoa! “Flipper” flashback there.) The zoo has offered up a choice of names for the public to vote on — all of them native to the cubs’ native Southeast Asia. They’re a little intimidating to pronounce, so the zoo includes the phonetic spelling and the names’ meaning.

Take a look at the future Mr. Big Belly and Ms. Backwards — and at these other adorable zoo babies we’ve helped name.

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A Sumatran tiger cub born Tuesday, April 16, 2013, at the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium is pictured in a zoo photo. The cub will be hand-reared by zoo keepers because its mother abandoned it.

A Sumatran tiger cub born Tuesday, April 16, 2013, at the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium is pictured in a zoo photo. The cub will be hand-reared by zoo keepers because its mother abandoned it.

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A Sumatran tiger cub born Tuesday, April 16, 2013, at the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium is pictured in a zoo photo. The cub will be hand-reared by zoo keepers because its mother abandoned it.

A Sumatran tiger cub born Tuesday, April 16, 2013, at the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium is pictured in a zoo photo. The cub will be hand-reared by zoo keepers because its mother abandoned it.

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Jaya, a Sumatran tiger, gave birth to a cub Tuesday, April 16, 2013, at the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium. The cub will be hand-reared by zoo keepers because its mother abandoned it.

Jaya, a Sumatran tiger, gave birth to a cub Tuesday, April 16, 2013, at the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium. The cub will be hand-reared by zoo keepers because its mother abandoned it.

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The Woodland Park Zoo's new "porcupette" (baby porcupine) is shown in its den. The male was born on April 18, 2013.

The Woodland Park Zoo's new "porcupette" (baby porcupine) is shown in its den. The male was born on April 18, 2013.

Photo: Ryan Hawk / Woodland Park Zoo

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A Woodland Park Zoo staffer holds the zoo's new "porcupette" (baby porcupine). The male was born on April 18, 2013.

A Woodland Park Zoo staffer holds the zoo's new "porcupette" (baby porcupine). The male was born on April 18, 2013.

Photo: Ryan Hawk / Woodland Park Zoo

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The Woodland Park Zoo's new "porcupette" (baby porcupine) checks out a lettuce leaf. The male was born on April 18, 2013.

The Woodland Park Zoo's new "porcupette" (baby porcupine) checks out a lettuce leaf. The male was born on April 18, 2013.

Photo: Ryan Hawk / Woodland Park Zoo

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The Woodland Park Zoo's new "porcupette" (baby porcupine) hangs out with mom in its den. The male was born on April 18, 2013.

The Woodland Park Zoo's new "porcupette" (baby porcupine) hangs out with mom in its den. The male was born on April 18, 2013.

Photo: Ryan Hawk / Woodland Park Zoo

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The Woodland Park Zoo's new "porcupette" (baby porcupine) is shown in its den. The male was born on April 18, 2013.

The Woodland Park Zoo's new "porcupette" (baby porcupine) is shown in its den. The male was born on April 18, 2013.

Photo: Ryan Hawk / Woodland Park Zoo

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Jaguar triplets were born over weekend (March 23) at the Woodland Park Zoo. Here is a still image captured from internal monitoring cam on Monday, March 25, three days after birth.

Jaguar triplets were born over weekend (March 23) at the Woodland Park Zoo. Here is a still image captured from internal monitoring cam on Monday, March 25, three days after birth.

Photo: Woodland Park Zoo

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Jaguar triplets were born over weekend (March 23) at the Woodland Park Zoo. Here is a still image captured from internal monitoring cam on Monday, March 25, three days after birth.

Jaguar triplets were born over weekend (March 23) at the Woodland Park Zoo. Here is a still image captured from internal monitoring cam on Monday, March 25, three days after birth.

Photo: Woodland Park Zoo

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(Following are the baby zoo animals we love from earlier last year and years past.)
Everything looks good for the four lion cubs born at the Woodland Park Zoo. The quadruplets just got a checkup. Photo by Ryan Hawk. less

(Following are the baby zoo animals we love from earlier last year and years past.)
Everything looks good for the four lion cubs born at the Woodland Park Zoo. The quadruplets just got a checkup. Photo by ... more

These 3-week-old lion cubs were born on Nov. 8 at the Woodland Park Zoo to lioness Adia and lion-dad Hubert. (Photo: Ryan Hawk/Woodland Park Zoo).

These 3-week-old lion cubs were born on Nov. 8 at the Woodland Park Zoo to lioness Adia and lion-dad Hubert. (Photo: Ryan Hawk/Woodland Park Zoo).

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Playing footsies in the lion den. The babies are the first lion cubs born at Woodland Park Zoo since 1991. (Photo: Ryan Hawk/Woodland Park Zoo).

Playing footsies in the lion den. The babies are the first lion cubs born at Woodland Park Zoo since 1991. (Photo: Ryan Hawk/Woodland Park Zoo).

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Woodland Park Zoo officials said on Tues., Nov. 27, 2012, that a vet hopes to do the cubs' first check-up soon to make sure they're healthy. The check-up would also identify their genders. (Photo: Ryan Hawk/Woodland Park Zoo). less

Woodland Park Zoo officials said on Tues., Nov. 27, 2012, that a vet hopes to do the cubs' first check-up soon to make sure they're healthy. The check-up would also identify their genders. (Photo: Ryan ... more

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Mother Adia is shown in early November with some of the new lion cubs. (Pam Cox / Woodland Park Zoo)

Mother Adia is shown in early November with some of the new lion cubs. (Pam Cox / Woodland Park Zoo)

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A baby (or joey) wallaroo born at the Woodland Park Zoo. Mother Alanna and joey are pretty good at acting adorable.

A baby (or joey) wallaroo born at the Woodland Park Zoo. Mother Alanna and joey are pretty good at acting adorable.

A set of clouded leopard cubs get ready to debut at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma in 2011.

A set of clouded leopard cubs get ready to debut at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma in 2011.

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A set of clouded leopard cubs at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma in 2011.

A set of clouded leopard cubs at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma in 2011.

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An endangered clouded leopard at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium gave birth to two healthy cubs march 6.

An endangered clouded leopard at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium gave birth to two healthy cubs march 6.

Photo: Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

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A set of clouded leopard cubs get ready to debut at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma in 2011.

A set of clouded leopard cubs get ready to debut at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma in 2011.

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A set of clouded leopard cubs get ready to debut at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma in 2011.

A set of clouded leopard cubs get ready to debut at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma in 2011.

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A set of clouded leopard cubs get ready to debut at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma in 2011.

A set of clouded leopard cubs get ready to debut at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma in 2011.

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A set of clouded leopard cubs get ready to debut at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma in 2011.

A set of clouded leopard cubs get ready to debut at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma in 2011.

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Aniak, right, a sea otter at the Seattle Aquarium, swims with her yet-to-be named daughter, Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012, in Seattle. The baby was born on Jan. 14, 2012 and will be named in February, after the public votes on a selection of names prepared by the Aquarium staff. less

Aniak, right, a sea otter at the Seattle Aquarium, swims with her yet-to-be named daughter, Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012, in Seattle. The baby was born on Jan. 14, 2012 and will be named in February, after the ... more

Photo: Ted S. Warren

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A baby sea otter at the Seattle Aquarium dips her face close to the water, Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012, as she rides on the chest of her mother, Aniak, in Seattle. The baby was born on Jan. 14, 2012 and will be named in February, after the public votes on a selection of names prepared by the Aquarium staff. less

A baby sea otter at the Seattle Aquarium dips her face close to the water, Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012, as she rides on the chest of her mother, Aniak, in Seattle. The baby was born on Jan. 14, 2012 and will be ... more

Photo: Ted S. Warren

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Aniak, a sea otter at the Seattle Aquarium, swims with her yet-to-be named daughter on her chest, Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012, in Seattle. The baby was born on Jan. 14, 2012 and will be named in February, after the public votes on a selection of names prepared by the Aquarium staff. less

Aniak, a sea otter at the Seattle Aquarium, swims with her yet-to-be named daughter on her chest, Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012, in Seattle. The baby was born on Jan. 14, 2012 and will be named in February, after ... more

Photo: Ted S. Warren

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Aniak, a sea otter at the Seattle Aquarium, plays with her yet-to-be named daughter, Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012, in Seattle. The baby was born on Jan. 14, 2012 and will be named in February, after the public votes on a selection of names prepared by the Aquarium staff. less

Aniak, a sea otter at the Seattle Aquarium, plays with her yet-to-be named daughter, Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012, in Seattle. The baby was born on Jan. 14, 2012 and will be named in February, after the public ... more

Photo: Ted S. Warren

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Aniak, right, a sea otter at the Seattle Aquarium, takes a break from grooming as her yet-to-be named daughter naps at left, Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012, in Seattle. The baby was born on Jan. 14, 2012 and will be named in February, after the public votes on a selection of names prepared by the Aquarium staff. less

Aniak, right, a sea otter at the Seattle Aquarium, takes a break from grooming as her yet-to-be named daughter naps at left, Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012, in Seattle. The baby was born on Jan. 14, 2012 and will be ... more

Photo: Ted S. Warren

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Aniak, a sea otter at the Seattle Aquarium, swims as her yet-to-be named daughter naps on her chest, Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012, in Seattle. The baby was born on Jan. 14, 2012 and will be named in February, after the public votes on a selection of names prepared by the Aquarium staff. less

Aniak, a sea otter at the Seattle Aquarium, swims as her yet-to-be named daughter naps on her chest, Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012, in Seattle. The baby was born on Jan. 14, 2012 and will be named in February, after ... more

Photo: Ted S. Warren

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Aniak, right, a sea otter at the Seattle Aquarium, swims with her yet-to-be named daughter, Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012, in Seattle. The baby was born on Jan. 14, 2012 and will be named in February, after the public votes on a selection of names prepared by the Aquarium staff. less

Aniak, right, a sea otter at the Seattle Aquarium, swims with her yet-to-be named daughter, Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012, in Seattle. The baby was born on Jan. 14, 2012 and will be named in February, after the ... more

Photo: Ted S. Warren

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Aniak, left, a sea otter at the Seattle Aquarium, swims with her yet-to-be named daughter on her chest, Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012, in Seattle, as Aniak's mother, Lootas, swims by at right. The baby was born on Jan. 14, 2012 and will be named in February, after the public votes on a selection of names prepared by the Aquarium staff. less

Aniak, left, a sea otter at the Seattle Aquarium, swims with her yet-to-be named daughter on her chest, Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012, in Seattle, as Aniak's mother, Lootas, swims by at right. The baby was born on ... more

Photo: Ted S. Warren

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Nine baby owls are being cared for by veterinary students at Washington State University.

Nine baby owls are being cared for by veterinary students at Washington State University.

Photo: WSU

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Nine baby owls are being cared for by veterinary students at Washington State University.

Nine baby owls are being cared for by veterinary students at Washington State University.

Photo: WSU

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Nine baby owls are being cared for by veterinary students at Washington State University.

Nine baby owls are being cared for by veterinary students at Washington State University.

Photo: WSU

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Nine baby owls are being cared for by veterinary students at Washington State University.

Nine baby owls are being cared for by veterinary students at Washington State University.

Photo: WSU

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Nine baby owls are being cared for by veterinary students at Washington State University.

Nine baby owls are being cared for by veterinary students at Washington State University.

Photo: WSU

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Nine baby owls are being cared for by veterinary students at Washington State University.

Nine baby owls are being cared for by veterinary students at Washington State University.

Photo: WSU

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A Humboldt penguin chick is brought into the penguin unit to be inspected by keeper staff at the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle on Thursday, April 11, 2012. A pair of Humboldt penguins have hatched at the Woodland Park Zoo. They are the the first chicks of the penguin breeding season to hatch at the zoo.
(Sofia Jaramillo / SEATTLEPI.COM) less

A Humboldt penguin chick is brought into the penguin unit to be inspected by keeper staff at the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle on Thursday, April 11, 2012. A pair of Humboldt penguins have hatched at the ... more

A snowy owl (below), with its mother, hatched at Woodland Park Zoo on June 13.

A snowy owl (below), with its mother, hatched at Woodland Park Zoo on June 13.

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People at the Seattle Aquarium watch as sea otter Aniak, upper left, swims with her yet-to-be named daughter, along with Aniak's mother, Lootas, lower left, Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012, in Seattle. The baby was born on Jan. 14, 2012 and will be named in February, after the public votes on a selection of names prepared by the Aquarium staff. less

People at the Seattle Aquarium watch as sea otter Aniak, upper left, swims with her yet-to-be named daughter, along with Aniak's mother, Lootas, lower left, Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012, in Seattle. The baby was ... more

Photo: Ted S. Warren

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These cute leopard cubs in Tacoma need names

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And here’s a video that will pretty much make you want to have a clouded leopard cub as a pet.